Looking For An Image

[Dabeagle]

I have a new short coming out and I'd like to use an image for it, but I haven't had any luck. So, three options:

 

1) If anyone knows of an image that fits this description (teenage male, jeans rolled up, shirtless and barefoot sitting down on a porch or something similar) please holler and tell me where to go look because I've had zip luck. If I have to pay, if it isn't too pricey, I may be able to.

 

2) Anyone who wants to accept the challenge to photograph themselves or a friend for potential title photo for the story!

 

3) Someone who wants to take the time to create an image, if they are handy with such things

 

Have I missed any other options? Let me know if I did - and thanks in advance for any help!  :-)

[Peter from Perth]

What sort of attitude you want?

Pensive, chillaxing, smoking or not, laughing?

[Dabeagle]

Ideally looking into the 'camera' and smiling, perhaps tentatively.

[Dayne Mora]

Have you tried ModelMayhem.com?  I use this site when I'm trying to visualize my characters, or diversify their looks.  I like it because you can use their search feature to narrow down age, weight, ethnicity, height, etc.  I know you're looking for images, not models, but it might be easier find a model who looks like what you want then see if they have an image in their portfolio already (or if you're really desperate, pay for a selfie ).  Might have to search for adult models who look younger for shirtless pics, but it couldn't hurt to try. 

 

Found some matches that could work (the last 3 are minors):

http://www.modelmayhem.com/anton3ch

http://www.modelmayhem.com/3934222

http://www.modelmayhem.com/sebastiannvidal

http://www.modelmayhem.com/michaelkettaneh

http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/3756580/0

http://www.modelmayhem.com/JohnDome

http://www.modelmayhem.com/stefanstankovich

[Cia]

I use Pixabay for a lot of stock because it's free, but for models or recognizable structures, you still need a specific release even if the image is creative commons. I prefer to buy my stock instead, and my go-to site is 123rf.com. Unfortunately, I don't think you're going to have a lot of luck finding shirtless teen models. You'd be better off focusing on the character's specifics (hair/skin/general build/clothing style) and then skimming those different kinds of models for a pose/image/background that would work for your story. If you find a model who is sitting like you want, and they have black hair while your character is a pale blond, that doesn't really work out.

 

Honestly, this is usually why, if I plan to create a visual for a story, I find a stock image that resonates for the character and/or setting and then base the story around that. Not always possible when you get inspiration for a story, but it definitely helps.

[Dabeagle]

I use Pixabay for a lot of stock because it's free, but for models or recognizable structures, you still need a specific release even if the image is creative commons. I prefer to buy my stock instead, and my go-to site is 123rf.com. Unfortunately, I don't think you're going to have a lot of luck finding shirtless teen models. You'd be better off focusing on the character's specifics (hair/skin/general build/clothing style) and then skimming those different kinds of models for a pose/image/background that would work for your story. If you find a model who is sitting like you want, and they have black hair while your character is a pale blond, that doesn't really work out.

 

Honestly, this is usually why, if I plan to create a visual for a story, I find a stock image that resonates for the character and/or setting and then base the story around that. Not always possible when you get inspiration for a story, but it definitely helps.

The reason I wanted that specific image was because it's how a scene ended up playing out. I hadn't planned it but it plays a central role and I thought it would be cool to get that. Since then I've cast about looking for different things that happen in the story to try and find something that is related to the story but not that specific, perhaps.

 

I have found sites like the one you describe, in fact have been there before, and they do have shirtless images that I've come across but not set in the right way for it to be useful to me in this instance. Matter of fact, though, I do have an image bookmarked for a baseball story from that site, should I ever get around to it.

 

Thanks for the advice!

Have you tried ModelMayhem.com?  I use this site when I'm trying to visualize my characters, or diversify their looks.  I like it because you can use their search feature to narrow down age, weight, ethnicity, height, etc.  I know you're looking for images, not models, but it might be easier find a model who looks like what you want then see if they have an image in their portfolio already (or if you're really desperate, pay for a selfie ).  Might have to search for adult models who look younger for shirtless pics, but it couldn't hurt to try. 

 

Found some matches that could work (the last 3 are minors):

http://www.modelmayhem.com/anton3ch

http://www.modelmayhem.com/3934222

http://www.modelmayhem.com/sebastiannvidal

http://www.modelmayhem.com/michaelkettaneh

http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/3756580/0

http://www.modelmayhem.com/JohnDome

http://www.modelmayhem.com/stefanstankovich

I hadn't thought of that site! A friend of mine used to be involved with the site, but my funds for an image for a free story are pretty small. It may work to help me visualize characters though, and I do appreciate that!